
Girrakool Loop Track
A stunning, easy 1.4km loop in Brisbane Water National Park, featuring a waterfall, Aboriginal engravings, and lush bushland. Perfect for families!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls are stunning!

Girrakool Loop Track
Best Time
Waterfalls are stunning!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning, easy 1.4km loop in Brisbane Water National Park, featuring a waterfall, Aboriginal engravings, and lush bushland. Perfect for families!
"A beautiful, peaceful little bushwalk! Within an hour of Sydney!"

👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Tracks can be muddy, especially after rain. Protect your feet!
💧 Bring water & snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled for your walk. Picnic areas available.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Girrakool Waterfall
End of the loop
A beautiful, scenic waterfall cascading down rock formations. Best after rain!

Aboriginal Rock Engraving Site
Along the track
Discover ancient Indigenous art, offering a glimpse into the area's rich cultural history.

Lush Bushland Scenery
Throughout the loop
Immerse yourself in the vibrant greenery and diverse flora of Brisbane Water National Park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Waterfalls
Pack for Comfort and Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Tracks can be muddy, especially after rain. Protect your feet!
💧 Bring water & snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled for your walk. Picnic areas available.
👨👩👧 Family-friendly fun
A great short loop for kids and beginners.
🐍 Wildlife awareness
Keep an eye out for snakes and spiders.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Tracks can be muddy, especially after rain. Protect your feet!
💧 Bring water & snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled for your walk. Picnic areas available.
👨👩👧 Family-friendly fun
A great short loop for kids and beginners.
🐍 Wildlife awareness
Keep an eye out for snakes and spiders.
📸 Capture the views
Plenty of photo opportunities along the track.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Girrakool Loop Track as a beautiful, peaceful, and easily accessible bushwalk, perfect for families and quick nature escapes. The stunning waterfall and cultural sites are major highlights, though some find the Piles Creek loop more challenging than expected.
"A beautiful, peaceful little bushwalk! Within an hour of Sydney!
Girrakool Loop is such a gem, short enough for families or a quick weekend stroll, but packed with gorgeous scenery. The trail winds past waterfalls, lookouts, and even an Aboriginal rock engraving site, all surrounded by lush bushland. The picnic area at the start is clean and well-kept with barbecues and plenty of parking.
A perfect spot for a relaxing walk, a picnic with friends, or just to reset in nature. Highly recommend visiting after a bit of rain when the creek and falls are flowing, absolutely stunning!"
Gavin Jones
"Did the Girrakool Loop Track then returned the following weekend to do the Piles creek loop. Girrakool loop is a very easy 30 min walk. Great to do with children - recommend as a first time bush walking track. The track ends with a fantastic scenic waterfall.
Piles Creek loop is not a loop at all, but keeps going. Once again very scenic views. I wouldn’t call Piles Creek walk easy but fair for a walker ready for a fair challenge."
Karolina Roberts
"Great walking track, nice short 30-40min loop for kids."
Ryan Pool
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Girrakool Loop Track is located in Brisbane Water National Park, NSW. The address is Woy Woy Rd, Kariong NSW 2250. It's about an hour from Sydney. Parking is available at the start of the track, though park fees may apply.
Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of Girrakool Loop Track are limited. It's generally recommended to drive. If using public transport, you might need to combine it with a taxi or rideshare service from the nearest train station.
There is a picnic area at the start of the Girrakool Loop Track which offers parking facilities. It's generally well-maintained and convenient for visitors.
Yes, Girrakool Loop Track is a popular day trip from Sydney, located approximately an hour's drive north. The drive is scenic and offers a great escape into nature.
Yes, Andamira Lookout is nearby and often visited in conjunction with the Girrakool Loop Track. Somersby Falls is also in the vicinity, though it has experienced closures.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Brisbane Water National Park and the Girrakool Loop Track itself is generally free. However, there is a parking fee that typically applies, often around $8 per day, unless covered by a national parks pass.
Brisbane Water National Park is typically open from sunrise to sunset. The Girrakool Loop Track is accessible during these hours. It's always a good idea to check the NSW National Parks website for any specific alerts or closures.
While the park itself is free to enter, there is a parking fee at popular spots like the Girrakool Loop Track picnic area. This fee helps maintain the park facilities.
No, time slots are not required for visiting Girrakool Loop Track. It's a public access area within the national park, and you can visit anytime during park opening hours.
Yes, if you plan to visit multiple NSW National Parks, a NSW Parks Pass can cover the parking fees at locations like Girrakool Loop Track.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Girrakool Loop Track is a short and easy walk, typically taking about 30-40 minutes to complete. It's a 1.4km loop, making it ideal for families and those looking for a quick nature escape.
The Girrakool Loop Track is considered an easy bushwalk, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It's a great introduction to bushwalking for beginners and children.
You can expect to see beautiful rock formations, a scenic waterfall, lush bushland, and potentially an Aboriginal rock engraving site. The track winds through the natural beauty of Brisbane Water National Park.
Yes, the track leads to a fantastic scenic waterfall. The falls are most impressive after rainfall, so visiting after a bit of rain is highly recommended.
You might encounter coastal monitors, water dragons, and various bird species. While leeches are not commonly reported, it's always wise to be prepared in bushland environments.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a picnic area at the start of the Girrakool Loop Track with barbecues, making it a perfect spot for a BYO picnic. For more extensive dining options, you would need to travel to nearby towns like Kariong or Woy Woy.
Absolutely! The picnic area is well-equipped and ideal for a relaxing meal surrounded by nature. Remember to bring your own food and water.
There are no restaurants or cafes directly within Brisbane Water National Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks for picnics.
Bring all your food, drinks, and any picnic essentials like plates, cutlery, and a blanket. Don't forget to take all your rubbish with you to keep the park clean.
While there are picnic facilities, it's best to bring your own water supply. Potable water availability can vary, so self-sufficiency is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfall is a prime photo spot, especially after rain. The Aboriginal rock engraving site offers unique cultural shots, and the lush bushland provides beautiful natural scenery throughout the loop.
Yes, the track offers lovely views of the surrounding bushland and the waterfall, making it a good location for landscape photography. The natural light filtering through the trees can create beautiful effects.
Morning light can be soft and beautiful for the bushland. After rain, the waterfall will be at its most photogenic. Midday sun can be harsh, so early morning or late afternoon might be preferable.
For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. However, if you are planning a professional photoshoot or commercial filming, you will likely need to obtain a permit from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Don't miss capturing the power of the waterfall, the intricate details of the Aboriginal rock engravings, and the vibrant green of the rainforest canopy. Look for interesting textures in the rock formations too.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
🏃♀️ Trail Runners & Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Girrakool Loop Track Experience
Visitors are consistently impressed by the natural beauty packed into this short loop. Highlights include a scenic waterfall that is particularly spectacular after rainfall, ancient Aboriginal rock engravings that provide a fascinating cultural insight, and the vibrant, lush bushland that surrounds the entire track. The path is designed to be enjoyable for all, with clear signage and a gentle gradient.
Many reviewers praise the picnic area at the start of the track, which is equipped with barbecues and ample parking. This makes it an ideal spot for a relaxed family outing or a casual lunch amidst nature. While the track is generally safe, visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes due to potential mud and to be aware of local wildlife.
Wildlife and Nature Encounters
Although leeches are not a frequent issue on this particular track, it's always wise to be prepared when walking in Australian bushland, especially after rain. The creek itself is home to freshwater yabbies, adding another layer to the ecological richness of the area. The lush vegetation, including ferns and eucalypts, creates a vibrant ecosystem that supports this array of creatures.
For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, there are opportunities to explore less-traveled tracks along the creek for a more immersive experience. Remember to tread lightly and respect the natural habitat to ensure these creatures continue to thrive.
Cultural Significance of the Area
Visiting these sites provides an opportunity to learn about the deep spiritual and practical relationship Indigenous peoples have with the land. It's a reminder of the importance of preserving these cultural landscapes for future generations. Visitors are encouraged to observe these engravings with respect and to avoid touching them, ensuring their preservation.
Understanding the cultural context of the Girrakool Loop Track enhances the overall visitor experience, transforming a simple walk into an educational and meaningful journey through time and tradition.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit